A care home group with plans to demolish a former pub and build a 60-bed care home has reassured local residents that there will be a breakthrough "very soon".

Newcastle-based Crown Care Group say the planning process "has taken longer than expected" but they were hoping for a successful outcome "very soon".

Plans to demolish the former Limes pub in Sweettooth Lane, Sandbach and build a 60-bed care home are still going through the planning process with Cheshire East Council.  

A spokesperson for Crown Care said: "The Limes pub and bowling facility has unfortunately been subjected to constant vandalism and threatening behaviour causing the bowling club to relocate whilst we await the planning outcome.

The site is the former Limes pub in Sweettooth Lane, Sandbach

"However, our contractors keep returning to site to board and secure the building and we have been liaising with the local police in an effort to try and stop this as they have made previous arrests at the site.

"Unfortunately, the planning process has taken a lot longer than expected, however we are hoping for a successful outcome very soon to allow us to progress the site and prevent further vandalism."

The spokesperson added: "Following a successful pre-application submission with Cheshire East planning department, we have been working closely with the planning department to reach a successful outcome for the local residents and bowling club members who we have been liaising closely with over the last 18 months.

"The scheme retains the existing bowling green and provides the members and local community with a new facility linked to the care home. 

"Unfortunately, the planning process has taken a lot longer than expected, however we are hoping for a successful outcome very soon to allow us to progress the site and prevent further vandalism.

"We very much look to developing the site and bringing our exemplary care record to Sandbach."

Crown Care operate 19 homes countrywide, the most northern in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the most southern in Buckinghamshire.

Crown Care Group's home in Grantham

Crown Care Group say they have an "active" building programme, opening five new homes with others in development.